Blackpool business academies to continue for an additional year

Blackpool businesses can continue to receive free support thanks to an extension of existing funding.  

The project extension has received £525,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

In October 2023, Blackpool Council launched two new business academy programmes offering tailored advice to new and growing businesses, and practical help to lower carbon emissions. Since then hundreds of Blackpool businesses across every single ward in the town have benefitted and received free support from at least one of the academies.

The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy has worked with 120 businesses to develop bespoke Decarbonisation Plans - on average the plans have identified savings of 47% on energy costs, 59% in emissions and £1m total savings. Some businesses benefitted from Eco-grants to help kick start their Net Zero journey. Implementations such as lighting sensors, EV chargers, freezer upgrades and solar panels have led to over 1,000 tCO2e of savings

The Blackpool Growth Business Academy has supported over 300 start-up businesses, provided growth and scale advice to 139 established businesses, developed 279 action plans through 1:1 support with a business advisor and hosted 57 workshops and masterclasses. This has led to the creation of 37 new businesses and almost 100 new jobs in new and existing companies.

The funding, previously allocated through the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) until March 2025, has now been extended allowing the business support programmes to remain in place for an additional year.

This initiative continues to be fully funded by the UK Government through the Lancashire Combined County Authority, reinforcing the commitment to business growth and sustainability in Blackpool.

The continuation of this funding means Blackpool businesses, whether they are starting, growing, scaling or decarbonising can continue to access support. Businesses that have already engaged with the programmes are able to re-engage to receive support tailored to their current needs.

The funded support represents an opportunity for CEOs, managing directors and senior leaders to receive specialist guidance, whether they’re looking to innovate, reduce their carbon footprint, or grow their operations sustainably.

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment said: “We are pleased to confirm the continuation of these business support programmes, ensuring that Blackpool’s entrepreneurs and business leaders have ongoing access to personalised advice and mentoring. This investment reflects our commitment to economic development, job creation, and sustainable business practices.

“We have received fantastic feedback from the businesses that we have supported during the first round of funding and we look forward to helping them and new businesses to grow in the coming year.”

Through the Blackpool Growth Business Academy, businesses will continue to receive specialist growth support, and access to a range of relevant workshops. Scale up advisors will work closely with businesses to develop bespoke growth plans, helping them to adopt new technologies, refine processes, expand into new markets or launch innovative products.

The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy remains focused on assisting businesses with their decarbonisation plans. Sustainability specialists will offer continued guidance on carbon reduction, sustainable practices and lowering energy costs. This programme provides businesses with the practical guidance to reduce environmental impact and integrate sustainability into their operations while contributing to Blackpool’s green economy.

Blackpool businesses can register their interest via www.blackpoolunlimited.com